Choose Happiness.  I think we probably all think about this at some point in our lives.  What brings us happiness is the million dollar question though.  

For some, it's a new car, a high paying salary, a big house, travel, beaches, mountains, etc.  Some people search their entire lives for happiness and never find it while others just open their eyes and there it is.

My happiness has come from within.  It's taken a long time to figure that out and there have definitely been some bumps along the way and not every day is perfect, but the smiles you see in these pictures are genuine.  Spending time with this part of my tribe aids in bringing my life joy and for that, I am grateful.

It's been 16 days since I began living my life in Kansas and I won't tell you that I don't miss things about Denver because I do and I probably always will, but the trade off?  The trade off has been worth it and I'm making a trip to Denver this weekend to get my fix there also so things are working out, I'd say.  And I'm happy.

What have I been doing in the last 16 days, well........let me tell you.  I've celebrated turning the big 5-0, celebrated one of my beautiful nieces turning 13 as well as her "gotcha" day.  I've been to numerous basketball games for the girls and gotten to watch both of them play in the pep band at high school games.  I was able to watch my nephew at wrestling practice and in a basketball tournament.  I've been there to help with homework and hang out after school, take them to movies and have sleepovers.  I went to an opening at the art gallery for a new artist and a book signing for the book "What's Right With Kansas" by the author, Ed O'Malley.  My dad and I began a new weekly thing of going to breakfast yesterday and people thought I would not have much to do?!?!  Oh, and...I've been doing massages - you know - that thing I do to be able to do all the other things I do.  And - baking, experimenting in the kitchen and trying to make the house a home.  All in all, I've been active and it's been great.  I'm happy doing what I'm doing.

You see, to me, happiness isn't a destination, it isn't necessarily material or tangible, but it's that joy I feel when I see the smiles because I showed up.  It's the feeling I get when I listen to someone or something inspiring.  It's when the sun shines and I get to see and/or feel it.  It's knowing that I'm doing the things I need to do in order to do the things I want to do with my life.

There will always be good days and bad days.  There will always be joy and sadness.  Life will always go on.  It's what we choose to do in the time we're here that makes the difference.  We have a choice, every single day and I choose happiness.


"Happiness is a choice – not a result. Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy. No person will make you happy unless you decide to be happy. Your happiness will not come to you. It can only come from you." – Ralph Marston.

#blessedbeyond
​~Kelley

So, I'm not sure what happened, but I had words to go with the picture about beginnings and endings and somehow it didn't post.  Somedays I'm more technologically challenged than others and apparently yesterday was one of those days!  At any rate - let me try again...

​As I pulled out of the driveway in Kansas on Wednesday with Regis as my co-pilot, I had a moment of realization that I would no longer be making that trip on a regular basis anymore as I have for several years.  And when I walked into my office space, it really hit me.  The doors of Hand in Hand at 815 are closing.  A chapter is ending.  There were fewer pictures on the walls and some of the furniture removed.  Just as it was in the beginning.  It was just four walls with a table in the center.  That was how things started and that is how things will end.

I began the final process of taking things down/apart and getting ready to pack up last night.  I will do some touch up painting today and get things loaded and tomorrow morning, I will turn in my keys.  There is a bit of sadness in that fact, but there is also joy and gratitude.  I have been #blessedbeyond measure with amazing clients, wonderful friends and a beautiful and warm place in which to do my work.  A work that I had no idea I would enjoy so much or do as a career or for this long.

The thing is there will always be endings with beginnings and beginnings with endings.  It's the circle/cycle of life.  Things start and they end.  It's the dash between that makes the difference.

#blessedbeyond
​~Kelley  

C B D - What are your thoughts when you hear these three little letters?

As a resident of Colorado - where maijuana is legal - that's where my thoughts have gone - pot.  Said sarcastically - oh great, another disguise of the getting high feeling.  Please don't misunderstand, I am not necessarily against pot - it's just not my thing so I've not really paid much attention to the CBD industry and yet, I keep hearing those letters and getting info on it so decided I needed to take a closer look.  And here's just the tip of what I've found....

CBD stand for Cannabidiol and is one of over 85 cannabinoids identified in the cannabis plant.  It is becoming increasingly popular due to the wide scope of benefits and the few side effects as well as the lack of psychoactivity which is typically associated with marijuana and high THC.  

The following video shares some of the great info and benefits of CBD

Pretty amazing!  Have questions or interested in trying some products?  Click here to contact me directly or go to handinhandtt.MyCTFOCBD.com to find out more.

#blessedbeyond
​~K

WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW............

So many things running through my mind over the last few days.  The state of the country.  The state of the world.  What will I wear?  What about my hair?  What am I doing to help those around me?  Am I making good and sound decisions for myself and others?  Am I being a good person?  Why is my coffee not hot?  Who is right and who is wrong and who really knows?  When is the next game?  Is the laundry done?  How can I make it to the 5 events I need to attend today (in different places)?

Just sayin'.............I warned you - lots of stuff floating around in that space above my neck and between my ears.  And then this showed up, made me stop and think.  About what I can do and here's what I came up with for the moment.

I can:
 1) Say Thank You - While there are days it seems to be a lost art form, simply saying Thank You, means a great deal to the person whom you are saying it to and it's easy.  Appreciate what someone does for you - just say thank you or take it a step further and send a Thank You note.  I know, crazy concept, but so amazing for both parties.

 2) Apologize when I'm wrong - Now, this one, can be a bit more tricky to do, but it's really not that hard.  The thing that is important, however, is to truly apologize - not just say I'm sorry because we think it's the "right" thing to do.

 3) Show up on time - Admittedly, this has been a thing I've had to work on (and continue to do so) my whole life.  The thing is - one persons time is really not any more valuable than another's so just be respectful.  
***I have to share a little side note here.  I have a dear friend who is very punctual.  On time to her means 15 minutes before said designated time and on time to me means sliding in on the last tick of the said designated time.  I know it was frustrating for her when we would get together because in her mind, I was always late.  In mine, she was always way early so......we've compromised and it's a thing we both worked on.  We always enjoy our time together so she doesn't come quite as early and there have been a few times when I've actually arrived first!  Win for both of us!

 4) Be nice to strangers - "You never know the battles someone else is fighting, so be kind".  That's literally one of the truest statements ever.  We don't know what's happening to someone else or what has gone on in their day and it's nice to just be nice.  What an amazing place this world might be???  A stranger is just a friend we haven't met.

 5) Listen without interrupting - WHAT?!?!?!  That's a crazy concept.  I believe we've gotten to a point in this world where we really are not hearing what the other person is saying because the whole time they're speaking we're formulating a response and often times can't wait to jump in because our point is so incredibly right or important.  Listen without interrupting - try it, you'll like it and perhaps we'll all learn something along the way.

 6) Admit when I'm wrong - Are you kidding me?  I was the most right "I know" person in the world for a huge part of my life.  Well, let me just say, while it's humbling, it's also positive to simply say, I was wrong and I apologize and Thank you for still loving me.

 7) Follow my dreams - I can follow my dreams, but I must allow myself to have the dreams and then set up some action steps in order to make them become reality.  I think sometimes (at least for me) we get so caught up in the day to day that we forget to allow ourselves time to dream and believe and achieve.  My dad has always told me that he is the dreamer and my mom is the doer.  Somehow to make the dreams come true - I'm working on a combination of the two.  And do not forget, my friends, one is never to old to dream, believe and achieve!

 8) Be a mentor - Do all the things on this list and you've become one and didn't eve realize it.  Mentoring doesn't need to be for a specific thing or a specific person or group, but just every day living.  Lead by example - be the person you want others to be.

 9) Learn and use people's names - Admittedly, I've had to work (and continue to do so) on this.  There are all sorts of tricks and books and ideas on how to learn and use people's names, but the key thing - to me - is to simply do it.  It's that thing of making another feel important and incredibly, we are all important.

10) Hold doors open - Yes.  I am saying it.  Hold the door open for someone else and allow someone else to hold the door open for you.  It's polite.  It has nothing to do with chivalry, political correctness, feminism, chauvinism, whatever march is currently going on, it's simply a nice thing to do.

So - I almost got up on the soap box, but stopped myself.  That will be for another day. 

Much love and happiness friends.  Do something nice for yourselves and those around you.  Your future self will thank you for it.

#blessedbeyond
​~K

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."
-- Henry Ford

I just listened to John McCain's farewell address to the nation as read by his ex-campaign manager.  Let me be honest.  This is not something I would normally do, but as I changed channels, I was compelled to stop and listen. 

I rarely delve into politics with anyone, but this speech friends, was not about politics.  It was about life and living one which you believe in and feel good about.  The following are some of the things I heard and/or took away from his final words:

1)  Be grateful.  Always be grateful for the experiences you have had and will have throughout your life.  Find things to be thankful for as it is in that gratitude that you will find acceptance of yourself and love for others.

2)  Be gracious and kind.  Do not tear down those around you.  You don't have to agree with everyone all of the time, but we will not come together if we constantly tear one another apart.  Listen to what is being said and be thoughtful in your response.  

3)  Be humble.  Remember that each of us makes mistakes and that noone is perfect.  Admit when we're wrong and learn from that.  Move forward.

4)  Be patient, but persistent.  Always follow your dreams.  Work hard.  Do what you know to be right and keep pushing toward your goals.

There were so many other things and I may write about this topic again.  We don't all agree all of the time, but that's one of the things that makes this such an amazing place to live.  I hope that I can leave this world with such dignity and grace and promise having lived a life I'm proud of and letting those around me know how much they mean and have meant to me.

#blessedbeyond
​ ~ K

Do you remember your last massage?  Has it been a while?  Have you ever had one?  Is it time to take some time for you - perhaps to relax - perhaps to feel better - perhaps as a preventative measure???

Did you know that massage is not just a luxury treatment?  There are actual benefits (and I'm not just saying that cuz it's my job ;-0)  Research continues to prove the various benefits of touch, triggering the medical community to actively embrace bodywork.

There are physical benefits including:

• Reduction in high blood pressure
• Helps to alleviate arthritis and bursitis
• Releases endorphins
• Enhances immunity by stimulating lymph flow
• Helps athletes prepare for and recover from workouts and events
• Improves skin condition
• Improves everyday energy and sleep
• Assists with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers
• Increases joint flexibility and range of motion
• Reduces scar tissue and stretch marks by promoting tissue regeneration
• Improves circulation by pumping oxygen and nutrients into tissues and organs
• Reduces post-surgery adhesions and swelling
• Reduces muscle spasms and cramping
• Relaxes injured, overused muscles
• Relieves migraine pain

Massage can also help with emotional balance which may be just as vital and valuable as the physical benefits.

• Reduction of fatigue
• Decreases depression and anxiety
• Eases and reduces medication dependence by releasing endorphins
• Improves concentration and focus
• Decreases stress (Experts estimate that 90% of disease is stress related and it ages us faster, both internally and externally)

I quite often have people ask how often they should get a massage.  My answer would be that it depends on the individual and their circumstance and condition.  If working on something specific you may need/want to get massages more frequently and then work into a regular routine.  As with most things, consistency is the key.  I personally believe that every 4-6 weeks is a good rule of thumb for overall wellness and preventative measures.  Listen to your body - it knows what you need.

#blessedbeyond
Live your best life...
​ ~K

August 14 is kind of a big deal in my family.  We celebrate two things on this day.  The people who joined together to give us our beginning and the guy who makes us laugh and cry and cheer and scream.  Ok - more laughter and cheering, but let's be honest there are tears and screams as well.

Today marks my parents 53rd wedding anniversary.  As I think about that I am grateful.  Grateful that they found eachother and grateful that they have continued - through good times and bad, in sickness and in health to work through things, laugh, cry, share and all the other things that make a marriage.  I am not naive enough to tell you it's been perfect.  I remember some days that were not, but they were committed to one another and to us and I am thankful that they have shared so much together and with us as well as many others throughout this journey.

I could probably go on some big rambling about what does or does not make marriage work, but I'm not going to.  I haven't done it, so I'm not sure I would qualify as any sort of expert on that particular topic.  I can go on about how even on the days they didn't want to, they did.  They still got up and went to work, cleaned the house, got us to whatever activity we were in, volunteered, attended church, belonged to community organizations, helped with homework, disciplined, came out (in a robe - on main street) looking for us when we were not home on time, took us hunting and golfing and allowed us to make mistakes - not excuses.  Even on the days we threw temper tantrums or told them they didn't love us because we weren't getting our way, they did.  I don't know this for sure, but can imagine that there were days they wanted to throw in the towel, give in or give up and they didn't.  They still haven't and I'm blessed.  We're blessed and they're blessed.  

The guy who then came into our lives 10 years ago today has brought much with him.  He's funny (at least he thinks he is), smart, sassy, annoying, adorable, caring and kind (most of the time).  He's precious in his own right and for him, we're grateful.

It took a long time for me to really understand how much my family means to me and as I write this there are tears in my eyes.  Not because I'm sad - oh sure, there are times when I wish we were all together again, but because I really, truly, deeply love these people I call family.  And because somehow, someway, even on the days we don't want to - we will.  Together we are strong.

#blessedbeyond
​~Kelley

I found this great card in a box of things that I took out of my parents house and was all set to write about that and then another school shooting happened.  I'll save that original thought for another time.

​I'm not going to get into the gun argument because to me, it's just simply more pointing of fingers and not where I feel my efforts are best used.  It's a hot topic and people have very valid and strong opinions on both sides.  

​What I am going to talk about is responsibility.  The responsibility we, as a society, (in my opinion) need to take.  

​When I was a child, I believed I could change the world.  Not me, individually, but me - as an individual.  You see, I thought that if I did one good thing (something as small as a smile) to/for someone, that person could then pass that on and the next and the next.  You know, the domino effect. 

​Somewhere inside of me that little girl still thinks this is possible.  She still believes that she can change the world.  There have been obstacles and road blocks and naysayers and her spirit has been crushed more than once, but it's in that falling down that she has gotten back up and moved forward.  "Charged on" as my dad would say.

​I'm not going to pretend that I'm perfect.  I'm not going to tell you that I have done a great job of doing my part or one good thing every single day.  I'm not going to tell you that I haven't let adversity and naysayers (including those crazy voices in my own head) stop me.  I am human.  I have fallen.  I have allowed the "cannots" to take over the "cans" at times.  What I am going to say though is that I believe I have learned.  I have learned that one can fall and get back up, that negatives can be overcome with positives, that change begins with me.  That I must take responsibility and do my part to make my life and world a place I want to live and sometimes that's hard, but hard is not necessarily bad and it's certainly not impossible unless I allow it to be.

With that - because it's been almost a month since the shootings in Florida and because it's time to stop thinking and start doing, I'll close.  I'll "charge on" and work to do my part to make the world a better place and hope that you will too.

#sharekindness
#blessedbeyond

Take care of you
​~Kelley